Australia Decides: Kangaroos for Labor, Koalas for Liberals

While much of the world is busy figuring out who can out-dance whom on the global stage, Australia is in full voting swing—sometimes for Labor led by Anthony Albanese, sometimes for the Liberals with Peter Dutton at the helm. The latest election was no exception: inspired by the sight of kangaroos at polling stations, the people once again rushed to the ballot boxes.

Labor, with Albanese in front, promises much the same as before, but with a twist: a bit more climate, a bit less inflation, and no “tough” political moves without consulting the local koala population. The Liberals, led by Dutton, on the other hand, argue it’s time to stop “dancing the old way”—what’s needed is a fresh outlook, strict border controls, and a little more free market.

Amid this political surfing, Australians are, as usual, hotly debating: will the winner preserve the country’s famous informality, or will they have to relearn how to drink tea not only with milk, but also with economic advisers? According to preliminary results, neither party managed to convince everyone—the parliament awaits a series of coalition dances to the tune of opposition boomerangs.

Still, as one analyst noted, in Australia it’s not the party that wins, but the ability to survive among snakes, sharks, and debates. So ahead are another four years of lively news from the southern edge of the planet.